Transgenic production of cyclodextrins in crops Alpha (α) and beta (β) cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides. In early metabolic engineering studies, which transgenic crop was engineered to produce cyclodextrins by expressing cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase in storage tissues?

Introduction / Context:
Cyclodextrins (CDs) are ring-shaped glucose oligomers valued for encapsulating flavors, fragrances, and drugs. While industrial CDs are commonly produced using microbial enzymes, proof-of-concept plant metabolic engineering has expressed cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) in crops to generate α/β-CDs in planta.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• CGTase converts starch into cyclodextrins.
• High-starch tissues are logical targets for engineering.
• Potato tubers are starch-rich storage organs suitable for such modifications.

Concept / Approach:

By introducing microbial CGTase into potato, researchers leveraged endogenous starch to form α and β CDs directly within tuber tissue. This strategy demonstrated the feasibility of producing value-added oligosaccharides in crop plants, even though commercial CD production remains dominated by microbial fermentation.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Reports of CGTase expression and CD detection in engineered potato tubers support this selection as a representative example of CD production in plants.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Tomato, maize, wheat, and soybean have been engineered for many traits, but tuberous potato offers the clearest model for starch-to-CD conversion in planta.

Common Pitfalls:

Equating commercial CD manufacture (microbial) with plant-based proof-of-concept studies; the question targets the engineered crop example, not the dominant industrial platform.

Final Answer:

Transgenic potato